Jesuits and Chinese Atheism: back and forth between Europe and China

The article explores the complex interplay between Jesuit missionaries and the concept of atheism in China. By examining historical documents and Jesuit writings, the article reveals how the term "atheism" was fluid and culturally specific. European missionaries often labeled Chinese Confucianists as "atheists" due to their lack of belief in a personal God, yet this categorization was oversimplified. The article highlights how the concept of atheism evolved over time, shaped by both European and Chinese philosophical traditions. The article underscores the importance of cultural context in understanding religious beliefs and the challenges of cross-cultural communication. Ultimately, the article offers a nuanced perspective on the historical relationship between Europe and China, emphasizing the complexities of religious exchange and the limitations of imposing Western categories onto non-Western cultures.